The most heartbreaking thing in this whole Downfall series, when you delve and go between the lines, is Asmodeus. He is the Lord of the Hells, the god of lies. He either lies or "he tells the truth but its rotting". He is flash frozen in a moment of burning and anger and taking the destruction coning for his family and lying that everything will be fine.
He gave the ultimatum, mortals or family. They all betrayed each other, I think, in that schism whether they meant to or not.
Asmodeus chose mortal rebirth, he was the first into the midst of danger before any of his siblings came down. Just like he stepped between them and Predathos first. He chose the Dawnfather but we don't know when, if it was before the memories trickled in and yet he felt a draw. Or if he chose to do so afterwards in a dig at his brother that he was ultimately choosing to stand with and still protect. Calling on his brother's name when he very well could have shed it all.
Sarenrae continued to reach out. Knowing the risks he poses. He lets, he bites her, he snarls. But he lets her close and gets close himself and he destroys her people, perhaps in his own way of trying to release her so they can leave. A fucked up way to love. He held the scroll, the keys. Asmodeus didn't have to warn them but he did. He gave her and the Primes a choice, destroy him or the knowledge.
In that moment, how much was fear or anger or heartbreak at the thought of what that very answer might be? Only for her to destroy that knowledge but never her brother. Was he vindicated that she could not harm him, or angry that she still would not? Or was he trying to force their hand to prove himself right that they do not love him only to be proven wrong?
Asmodeus, the god of lies who twists the truth, screaming that he hates them all, that he wants to destroy them. But leaves as he's commanded to not lie because Pelor knows his brother. Asmodeus who watches Melora embrace Gruumsh while honestly loving and missing them. Asmodeus who watches Sarenrae embrace Lolth, accepting her as she is. Asmodeus seeing Torog and Melora bonding whilst he holds himself apart but at the same time, walks Pelor and Sarenrae once more.
Asmodeus, witnessing his siblings maybe beginning to change and maybe he is scared that he hasn't. Or maybe that the human part of him has changed something. What could change a god but love or hate, and those two things as so deeply twined and bleed together.
